I was just running some errands. Mail something to my in-laws at the post office. Return some books to the library. Pick up a prescription. While I was doing these very ordinary things, my car was invaded by an extraordinary story. I was listening to NPR and the reporter was in a South African border town where many refugees from Zimbabwe attempt to escape impending conflict and extreme poverty in their home country. I was shaken by the gravity of the story.
A prostitute - often making her living under very dangerous and degrading circumstances - was being interviewed. She had left Zimbabwe with the promise of work as a store clerk or house cleaner. She planned to make money to send back to her son in Zimbabwe until it became possible - economically and politically - for them to reunite.
At the end of the interview, she was asked, 'I'm sure you didn't have this in mind for your new life in South Africa. What do you see for your life?' The prostitute was silent. The final question was posed. 'What are your dreams?' A nervous chuckle was followed by a simple answer: 'No answer.'
Her dreams had ended. They had turned into a nightmare. She had hoped and imagined that her new life in South Africa would bring her and her son more financial security, but instead it robbed her of her dreams. Even when we are unable to dream, God can do more. Dreams are ending and evolving into nightmares around our world every day and every night. But I pray for a revolution where questions like 'What are your dreams?' do not turn up empty answers. I pray that God would whisper and shout in their lives that they are of value; they are precious daughters and sons of Almighty God.
That they would know the God who does "exceedingly abundantly more"! Jesus make yourself known throughout the world to hurting people and use us as your instruments as you see fit!
This was a great analogy and story.
Brandi
Posted by: Brandi | January 24, 2008 at 07:32 PM